New 'Beans' Musical Challenge Has Grand Prize NYC Trip; Lachey Hosts

"Beans, beans the musical fruit ..." For years, children have recited this memorable schoolyard chant. In fact, 3 out of 4 adults recognize the classic bean chant(1). But most people don't realize something is amiss in the lyrics. Beans are a vegetable, not a fruit!

Spread the Word: Beans are a Veggie!

This catchy chant likely has influenced the way people think about beans. Surprisingly, only a quarter of Americans(2) correctly identify beans as a vegetable. It's finally time to dispel this myth and help families get their kids to eat more veggies.

People are invited to submit a video remix of the classic chant and convey in their entry that beans are a vegetable. Families, friends or colleagues can upload their videos to BeanChant.com from Sept. 12 through Dec. 12, 2008.

One grand prize winner will be awarded $5,000 and a trip for four to perform the winning chant at a Times Square event in New York City on Feb. 18, 2009. The event will be hosted by Drew Lachey, multi-platinum recording artist, Broadway star, TV host, champion of "Dancing with the Stars," bean fan and dad.

Lachey wrote his own version of the bean chant to kick off the Magical Veggie Challenge:

"Beans, beans have protein to spare
Call them a fruit? I won't even dare
They're a veggie that makes you grow up big and strong
And with beans on the table, your meal can't go wrong"

Five semifinalist entries will be chosen and posted at BeanChant.com from Dec. 29, 2008 through Jan. 23, 2009, giving everyone a chance to vote. The American public, along with Lachey, will help select the grand prize winner by voting for their favorite semi-finalist.

Beans: The Versatile Vegetable

The Magical Veggie Challenge, sponsored by Beans. The Vegetable with More campaign, was created to help parents who are missing an easy solution to the veggie dilemma. Beans(3), such as kidney and garbanzo, have more protein and fiber than any other vegetable, are convenient and have a great taste that kids love. In fact, 4 out of 5 kids say they like beans(4).

"I became involved with the Magical Veggie Challenge so I could share the benefits of beans with other parents," explains Lachey. "In my family, we've found that beans go well with a wide variety of ingredients and they're easy to add to pastas and soups."

To find more information and to view contest rules, visit BeanChant.com.

About The Vegetable with More(R) Campaign

The Beans. The Vegetable with More campaign was created by Bush Brothers & Company to help Americans achieve the USDA's recommendation of 3 cups of beans and other legumes per week by communicating not only that beans are listed in the vegetable group of MyPyramid (as well as the meat & beans group), but beans(3) also have more protein and fiber than any other vegetable. In addition to telling moms about the unique benefits of beans, the campaign shows families how to incorporate more beans in their diet.

Founded in 1908, Bush Brothers & Company is based in Knoxville, Tenn. Best known for their Baked Beans, Bush's also offers more than 30 varieties of canned beans including kidney, pinto and black and other canned vegetables. Bush Brothers & Company is still family owned and operated, working for the same ideals that were set forth by A.J. Bush nearly 100 years ago -- ensuring the highest quality and best taste can be found in all their products. Bush's sells one-third of all canned beans in the U.S., making it the top bean brand in the country.

(1) Strategy One, 2008, on behalf of the makers of Bush's(R) Beans.
National online study among 1,018 adults who have purchased beans in
the past three months.
(2) Millward Brown, 2008, on behalf of the makers of Bush's(R) Beans.
(3) And legumes. Source: USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary
Studies (2.0) based on combined grams of fiber and protein for
Reference Amount Customarily Consumed.
(4) Impulse Research, 2007, on behalf of the makers of Bush's(R) Beans.

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi / BroadwayWorld.com